The Many Sides of All Saints

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The Rev. Dr. Bob Honeychurch, Interim Rector

Many of us have heard of societies or organizations or clubs where it seems like the only way you get to become a member is if someone ahead of you dies.  There are probably even groups like that right here in Santa Barbara.  The good news is the All Saints is not one of them!

Within All Saints there are a wide variety of ways to engage in the life of this community… and all of them have room for you if you’re interested. Although I fear that I may fail to identify them all, I want to give you at least a sampling of ways you can become more involved in the life of this community, along with a brief description of what that group does.  If you’d like to learn more, or get involved in one of these activities, speak with one of the clergy, or call the church office.  We will get you connected with the various ministry leaders who coordinate these activities.

Acolytes:  Assist with the Sunday morning worship as you serve at the altar, carry a torch, or be the crucifer… especially for kids.

Altar Guild:  The quiet “behind the scenes” workers who make sure all of the countless details related to setting up and cleaning up the altar for worship happen.

Bible and Babble:  Come for great conversation and great Bible Study every Monday morning.

Casa Esperanza:  Join the team that provides dinner once a month for the residents of the Casa Esperanza homeless shelter.

Centering Prayer:  Find that quiet place within where God speaks to the deepest part of your heart.

Choir:  Martin Luther said that those who sing, pray twice.  Double your prayer life by joining those who lead our Sunday worship with their voices each week.

Coffee Hour Hosts:  Yes indeed we do drink coffee at All Saints.  Lots of it!  We can always use more help putting together the treats following worship each Sunday.

Cleveland School:  The major outreach effort for the next few years focuses on partnering with Cleveland School in Santa Barbara. There are lots of ways to pitch in and help.

Eucharistic Ministers:  Would you like to be a part of the team which assist with worship each Sunday and distributes communion?  This is the place for you.

Eventide:  Join us every Wednesday night for a quiet service of music and reflection… all followed by dinner.  Just the mid-week moment you may be looking for.

Family Feast:  At 10 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month, join us for a special service designed especially for kids.

Flower Guild: Do you enjoy arranging flowers?  Or would you like to learn?  Be a part of the team that assembles our altar flowers each week, and discover your own green thumb.

Healing Touch:  Experience the power of healing prayers which can touch your heart and change your life

Heritage Society:  Have you named All Saints in your estate planning?  Would you like to learn how?  Make a mark that lasts longer than a lifetime.

Holy Huddle:  An occasional gathering of men to reflect on current topics of interest, and how they relate to a life of faith.

Men’s Bible Study: What better way to start your Wednesday than with a group of guys reflecting on the scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday!

Office Volunteers:  There are always ways to help around the busy parish office.  Come lend a hand and enjoy a great way to pitch in.

Outreach Committee:  Want to make a difference in Santa Barbara and beyond?  This is an amazing group of folks whose impact is beyond measure.

Parish Socials:  Several times each year the members of the parish are invited to gather at a member’s home for fun, fellowship, and great hospitality.

Parish Visitors:  Do you have a heart for serving those who are aged, or ill, or home-bound?  This may be just the slot for you.

Readers:  Do you like to read the scriptures?  Do you like to read aloud?  Then combine your two passions and do it in church during our Sunday morning worship.

Sunday School Teachers:  If you love kids, and if you love seeing them shaped as Christians, join in this most holy endeavor that can change your life.

Ushers:  A ministry of hospitality, the ushers are often the first friendly face one sees at church on Sunday morning.  Share in the joy of incorporating people into our Sunday morning worship.

Vestry:  The elected church council has the responsibility for the oversight of the life and ministry of the congregation.

Welcomers and Greeters:  This is the chance to put on your best smile, and connect with newcomers and long-timers before and after each service.

Wise Women:  Not for women only, this group hosts monthly events to enrich the lives of all of the All Saints members.

Young Adult Group:  Are you in your 20’s or 30’s?  Do you want to hang out with others in their 20’s or 30’s for fun and fellowship?  This is the place for you.

You made it to the end of the list! I hope you have found something that sparks your interest and please get in touch with us if that’s the case – we’d love to get you involved.